Carmen E. Arroyo - Early Years

Early Years

Arroyo was born and raised in the town of in Corozal, Puerto Rico where she received both her primary and secondary education. She graduated from Corozal High School and then attended the Sixto Febus Business School where she took Secretarial and Bookeeping courses and earned a diploma. She married Pablo Arroyo and together they had seven children; she was eventually abandoned by her husband and she then decided to move to the United States.

In 1964, Arroyo moved to New York City with her children and settled down in the borough of the Bronx. While the idea of the move to the United States was a search for a better way of life she was soon faced with racial discrimination and other hardships. Arroyo became depended on the welfare and public assistance systems of the state.

Arroyo took classes in English and attended Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, of the City University of New York (CUNY) where in 1978 she earned her Associate of Arts degree. Arroyo studied at night and worked during the day while she attended the College of New Rochelle. She earned her Bachelor's of Arts degree from said educational institution in 1980.